THE Globe’s report of MP Frank Field joining forces with ward councillors to fight a “damaging” alcohol licence application for premises in Oxton Road exposes the selective concern of local councillors on licensing issues.

Oxton Village, particularly with its closeness, shares the anxieties of Oxton Road residents arising from the potentially increased disturbance from a proliferation of licensed premises.

With the highest concentration of licensed premises in Wirral, Oxton Village increasingly experiences the inevitable vulgar, uncouth, and violent behaviour associated with the intemperate supply and consumption of alcohol.

Despite Oxton Village’s predominantly residential nature, a renewed application by a bar for an extension of opening hours to 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays was recently approved.

Oxton Village is not immune from the irreversible consequences of changing lifestyles, but the changing pattern of commerce and trading represents a challenge to the role of the village centre as a community hub.

The predominance of daytime leisure-style businesses, whose main appeal is to visitors, has adversely affected the volume of customers patronising core village traders endangering their continued viability.

As Birkenhead’s night time leisure destination of choice, the not entirely unwelcome influx of visitors particularly on Fridays and Saturdays, has transformed Oxton Village into a no-go area for residents.

Hailing the unfettered provision of licensed outlets as the saviour, not only of Oxton Village but also of similar communities, is a misguided notion that we may live to regret.

A Lennon by email